Why Are We Like This?

The “Well, Actually” Jews Are Driving Me Mad

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When I speak the hard truths about antizionism, Mamdani, the DSA, or anything else that has imploded the Democratic party, it’s not surprising that nearly everyone I’ve ever known in progressive spaces has something to say.

But what is most hair-pulling is when random Jews I’ve known in the past chime in with a “Well, actually…” And, even with a private profile, this happens quite often.

Why are we like this? Is it because Jews are naturally argumentative even when it comes at our own expense? Is it because Jews have been so indoctrinated into our progressive identities that we refuse to accept any reality that challenges them? Is it because Jews are so desperate to be liked, to fit in, to be passive in the face of an existential threat?

Whatever it is, it truly makes me want to walk into the sea and hope it doesn’t split.

We see this with the devolution of JStreet, the craven desperation of Jewish progressives like Brad Lander and Scott Weiner to gain power at their own people’s expense, Robby Hoffman being an insufferable asshole, and your cousin’s “AsAJew” Facebook comments.

Rabbi Raphael Shore explains this dichotomy: the most dangerous antisemitism is the kind Jews believe

“There are Jews who recognize the obsession, and Jews who internalize the accusation.

Those who recognize the obsession understand that Israel, like every country, can make mistakes. Governments can adopt bad policies. Leaders can fail. Armies operating under impossible conditions can make errors. Every Israeli policy is open to debate.

But none of that explains the extraordinary global obsession with the Jewish state. It doesn’t explain the double standards, the demonization, the historical inversions, the celebration of those who murder Jews, the indifference to Jewish suffering or the transformation of Israel into the supreme criminal of the modern world.

The second group may fully recognize that antisemitism is real, irrational and growing. They may acknowledge that many of Israel’s enemies are driven by hatred, conspiracy or fanaticism. But at some level, they have internalized part of the accusation themselves, accepting that at least some of what the accusers say legitimately explains the hatred and that Israel’s actions help create, intensify or justify part of that hostility.”

As Zionists, most of us are more than willing to turn out our pockets and boldly exclaim every possible wrong doing of the Israeli government in the past 80 years, while no one in the pro-Palestine movement is willing to hold a single crime of the Arab world to account. Most of the pro-Israel people I know post constantly about the West Bank settler violence, but I have never once seen a Palestine supporter post a single thing to the ”detriment of the cause.” Because if they did they’d be crucified.

I remember when all of this started, saying how fervently I wished the protests would have said “Down with Bibi, down with Hamas!” – how I would have waived a banner proudly. But that was never the intention and never the plan.

Jen Kogan writes a great explanation of how young antizionists may change their minds, explaining that some people possess greater intellectual humility than others. They are more willing to admit they might be wrong, seek out opposing viewpoints, and revise their beliefs when the evidence warrants it. Normalize changing your mind when presented with new information.

Kila Jones writes a Substack from the point of view of a former antizionist.

Here is another account of a young British Jew realizing she was indoctrinated into a hate movement.

If you change one mind, you change the universe.

I simply have to believe it is possible for more Jews – and more allies – to wake up to what is happening.

Listen:

While the song is objectively not a banger, I’m still compelled to go purchase and stream everything Boy George has ever done as a thank you for his moral clarity. Good thing 80s New Wave is my favorite!

Follow:

Unbothered Moderate on TikTok is a former leftwing activist (like me!) who has brilliant takes on the DSA and downfall of the Democratic party

Read:

I have never devoured a book as quickly as I read Evan Barker’s Left Behind. She is also a former Democratic operative who worked inside both the establishment system and the progressive/leftist wing of the party. I have never related to anything so much. Sadly, now, you will only see her interviewed in right-wing media even though she is explicit in the book that she has no interest in becoming a Republican.

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